LITTLE ROCK, AR, May 11-It is beyond difficult to tell you
that Stewart Doan, our senior editor and a dear friend, died yesterday in
Little Rock. He was 52.

Our prayers and condolences are with his wife, Leslie, and
their two daughters.

We do not yet have all the details, but we know that he had not
been feeling well and saw his doctor Wednesday to undergo tests related to
having shortness of breath and related health concerns. He fainted at his home
yesterday morning and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he later
died.

Typical of Stewart's incredible work ethic and dedication,
he called me from the ambulance to let me know that he would not be able to
complete his assignments for the day. He always thought of others first.

We will let you know more later today as details become
available.

Stewart joined Agri-Pulse in 2008, building our audio service and
contributing importantly to the newsletter and Web site.

When he joined us in 2008, I
wrote, “I've long admired Stewart's ability to provide succinct coverage and
analysis of complex issues facing today's agricultural producers and partners.
“We are very excited about tapping into his talent and experience, and
providing our subscribers with his valuable insights into farm policy, market
activity and rural trends.”

Since that time, he
demonstrated an unparalleled passion for his beat and the audience he served.
He loved covering farm policy and it showed in his excellent broadcasts and
articles.

For more than 30 years, this Kentucky native covered agricultural
news for a variety of media, beginning with radio. He was considered the premier cotton and rice journalist in
the nation but expanded his horizons to master the difficult policy questions
that USDA and Congress grapple with. He was in Washington regularly to
interview policymakers and develop his wide range of contacts.

Stewart was president of the
National Association of Farm Broadcasting in 1998, and continued his
involvement by serving on committees and as a stringer for the NAFB News Service.
NAFB named him its 2006 national Farm Broadcaster of the Year when he
was Delta Regional Farm Director of the Yancey Ag Network/Clear Channel
Communications in, Little Rock. He has been
recognized by the National Cotton Council, the USA Rice Federation and the
Arkansas Farm Bureau for his reporting on a wide range of agricultural policy
issues.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Governor Martin O’Malley a Democratic candidate for President in 2016. In this interview you’ll hear his views on renewable fuel policy, environmental stewardship, global trade and why he believes leading a state like Maryland uniquely qualifies his bid for the Oval Office.